I started Wanderlust by Val on the side as a creative outlet back then. I have always been passionate about fashion, travel and surfing so I felt the need of creating something on my own that I could share with people. Now that my blog has grown, I have collaborated for exposure, profit as well as contra deals. I'm not yet at the point to be able to quit my job, but if it leads to that one day, I'd be pretty stoked!

You told us, that you have German roots. Tell us more!

Yes, I grew up in Germany! I'm half German, half Algerian. I was born in Hamburg (favourite City!) but then moved to beautiful Bavaria at quite a young age.

So you live in Perth, Western Australia now?

Yes, I live in Scarborough, a small beach town which belongs to Perth. It's a cute little place with lots of little bars and cafes and great waves in winter. I have lived around Perth for nearly six years now. Before Perth I lived in Margaret River, a little surfy town, 3,5 hours South of Perth.

For us Germans it's really hard to get a residential visa for Australia. Would you know any secret tricks?

Marry an Aussie! ....Just kidding.

It depends on what profession you have. For a lot of tradies and engineers it's fairly easy to gain residency through a state or employer sponsorship. If you came to Australia with no higher education like me, you either have to spend a lot of money on uni's or other courses to be able to apply for visas that could lead up to residency, OR specifically pick a profession that is on the SOL (Skilled Occupation List) and study a course or apply for a traineeship for that profession. Once completed you can apply for sponsorship. There are many different visas. If you arrived from Germany with the purpose to get residency, waste no time! Get as much experience as you can, learn the language, create useful connections and apply, apply, apply! A lot works through relationship here! So if an employer likes you he'll help you out!

Sounds like surfing is the reason for you to live by the coast. Are you like a full addict surfer girl or a 'good weather' surfer?

If there are waves it's always good weather isn't it? :) I go out whenever it's surfable. No matter wether it's winter or summer, sunny or rainy. I do prefer surfing in summer of course...no wetsuit, warmer water. The waves are definitely better in winter here though so if you want to go out you just have to toughen up. It's really not too bad though with a wetsuit.

There are more and more girls really charging in the water these days, would you have some advice for our German surfer girls who aren't that confident in the water yet?

Get out there as much as you can! Even if you think you're not progressing cause you didn't get to stand up or caught a wave, you still improve every time without knowing. Even just being in the water watching others, reading the waves increases your confidence for your next surf. The more you go out, the more natural it will become until the famous 'AHA' moment strikes and you won't ever want to do anything else but be in the water Don't give up! Also go out with someone that is slightly better than you. I like going out with boys cause they're normally a bit more ballsy and push you to reach your limits quicker.

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it :) My next blog post will be about my trip to Bali/Canggu where I'm currently on holiday. I've been here many times now and can't wait to share some useful tips, surf spots and accommodation recommendations with my followers. If you're curious what else I'm getting up to feel free to check out my Instagram (Wanderlust_by_Val). I share a lot about my travels, surfing, useful tips and fashion on there.

Any plans to come to Germany?

I went to Germany last year to see my family. I'm not sure if I'll make it next year as I might be moving over to the East Coast which will be quite an expensive exercise. However, I'm planning to come back for winter season in the upcoming years. I miss the mountains and snowboarding. :)

Well then, all the best Val and keep us posted about what's happening in Aus!!!